The Collaborative International Dictionary
Xiphisternum \Xiph"i*ster"num\, n.; pl. Xiphisterna. [NL., fr. Gr. xi`fos a sword + sternum.] (Anat.)
The posterior segment, or extremity, of the sternum; -- sometimes called metasternum, ensiform cartilage, ensiform process, or xiphoid process.
The xiphiplastron. -- Xiph"i*ster"nala.
Wiktionary
n. (context anatomy English) The cartilaginous extension of the lower sternum; the xiphisternum.
WordNet
n. smallest of the three parts of the breastbone; articulates with the corpus sternum and the seventh rib
Wikipedia
The xiphoid process , or xiphisternum or metasternum, is a small cartilaginous process (extension) of the lower (inferior) part of the sternum, which is usually ossified in the adult human. It may also be referred to as the ensiform process. Both the Greek derived xiphoid and its Latin equivalent ensiform mean 'sword like'.
Usage examples of "xiphoid process".
He felt the sternum, made sure of the location of the cartilaginous xiphoid process at the sternum's end, so as not to bruise the liver or spring the ribs loose-then.
Adam's apple, the other to the nerve cluster just above his xiphoid process.